LISTEN: The craziest, most unhinged wingman stories you've ever heard
Dating apps have become the go-to approach for finding love, but it seems like old-school methods are making a comeback.
It all began with matchmaking websites in the 90s, and as technology progressed, so did the digital dating scene.
Bumble, Tinder, and Hinge are still dominating the industry, but as it turns out, those looking for love are growing tired of using apps.
For 2026, Tinder’s annual Year in Swipe Report found that people are choosing to fully blend their social and dating lives.
This new trend is called 'Friendfluence'.
According to Tinder's Report, "42 percent of singles cite their friends as a major influence on their love life".
While this might not come as much of a surprise, what is surprising is that some older generations might recognise 'Friendfluencing', but it used to be called something else.
Back in the day, it was just being a wingman or wingwoman.
According to Bruce Y. Lee, M.D., M.B.A., in his Psychology Today article on the topic, friends often influence our social behaviours and activities.
For example, adventurous friends might help you step out of your shell, or different friends might introduce you to new groups, broadening the dating pool.
A wingman/woman did the same. They would be able to approach the person you want to talk to when you are too scared to.
They interact with the one that caught your eye, gather more info, check the vibe, and give you the greenlight or tell you to stay away.
While dating apps have been a starting point for many long-lasting, happily-ever-after relationships, these platforms can also start to feel like a never-ending doomscroll.
The Forbes Health Survey revealed in 2025 that those who feel burned out by dating apps sometimes, often or always include:
- Millennials (80%)
- Gen Z (79%)
- Gen X (78%)
- Baby Boomers (70%)
If you, or someone you know, is struggling in the love department, maybe it's time to take a step back from the apps and recruit those who already know you the best.
Need some convincing?
Rob Forbes has shared the hilariously sweet story of how he once was a successful wingman without even realising it.
However, his story could not even compete with some of the chaotic, romantic and crazy stories we heard from the Jacaranda FM listeners who have played the role of a wingman or woman.
Take a listen to hear all the good, the bad and the ugly wingmen stories, including the reason why one woman decided to intervene in her sibling's love life:
Tune in to 'The Drive with Rob & Roz', on weekdays from 16:00 – 19:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
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Image: The Aviationist